Samsung Galaxy Buds4 & Buds4 Pro: Which earbuds are worth buying?
Samsung has officially unveiled its latest audio offerings: the Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds4 Pro. Early testing suggests that, for Samsung phone users, the Pro model is the clear choice, offering a significant step up in performance over the standard Buds4.
Samsung is touting substantial upgrades for both models, citing “over 10,000 simulations” and data from more than one million ear shapes to achieve a more comfortable and secure fit than previous generations. Initial impressions support this claim, with the Buds4 Pro, featuring ear tips, providing a particularly snug feel.
This secure fit enables a new feature: head gesture control. While currently basic, the functionality allows users to answer or dismiss calls, or respond to AI prompts with a nod or shake of the head. Testing indicates the system accurately recognizes intentional movements while filtering out incidental head wobbles.
Aesthetic changes include a new metal blade design, a departure from the LED-focused look of the Buds3. This new design offers a more sophisticated and refined appearance, visually differentiating the Buds from Apple’s AirPods, a design language many competitors seem to emulate. The Buds4 and Buds4 Pro are available in white or black, with the Pro version also offering a Samsung.com exclusive pink variant.
More Bass in the Buds Pro
Beyond the design, audio quality is paramount. Both models support 24-bit/96kHz HiFi audio when paired with a premium Galaxy phone (S and Z series), alongside improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Samsung’s AI-powered adaptive profile intelligently adjusts noise cancellation based on the environment, blocking out consistent sounds like airplane noise while allowing through important sounds like sirens or speech. However, the system can sometimes be overly sensitive, reducing noise cancellation when the user is singing along to music.
The Buds4 Pro, however, have received further audio refinements, and the difference is noticeable. Featuring a 20% larger bass driver and a dedicated tweeter, the Pro model delivers a fuller, more detailed sound. The standard Buds4, while adequate, simply can’t match the audio fidelity of their Pro counterparts. Music sounds richer with more precise high frequencies and a powerful, yet controlled, bass response. Even in bass-boost mode, the Buds4 can sound somewhat thin in comparison.
With ANC activated, the Buds4 Pro effectively isolate the listener from external noise. During testing for a Samsung Unpacked podcast recording, individuals had to wave directly in front of the tester’s face to gain their attention.
The Buds4 performed respectably, but when directly compared to the Buds4 Pro, both audio quality and noise isolation were demonstrably inferior. This leaves the standard Buds4 feeling less compelling, offering only an “okay” experience.
Battery life remains consistent with the Buds3, offering five hours of playback with ANC enabled for the Buds4 and six hours for the Buds4 Pro. The charging case provides an additional approximately 24 hours of use. While longer battery life would be desirable, the physical limitations of miniaturized earbuds present a challenge.
A full review of the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro is forthcoming, but the initial assessment is clear: the Buds4 Pro are the superior choice—or, alternatively, worth saving up for. The Buds4 are acceptable, but the Buds4 Pro represent a significantly better pairing for Samsung phone users.